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Feeding and Swallowing Disorders

What are Feeding and Swallowing Disorders?

A child with a feeding disorder may have difficulty gathering and coordinating food in preparation to suck, chew or swallow. They may take a long time to eat or avoid eating certain foods or textures all together.

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can happen during the different phases of the swallowing process.

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The three phase of feeding and swallowing disorders are described below:

Oral phase – sucking, chewing, and transferring food or liquid into the throat.

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Pharyngeal phase – starting the swallow and squeezing food down the throat. The child needs to close off his airway to keep food or liquid out. Coughing or choking can occur if food goes into the airway.

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Esophageal phase – opening and closing the esophagus, or the tube that goes from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus squeezes food down to the stomach. A child may throw up a lot if there is a problem with the esophagus.

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What are the Signs of a Feeding or Swallowing Disorder?

Arches their back or stiffens when feeding

Cries or fusses when feeding

Falls asleep when feeding

Has difficulty breastfeeding

Has trouble breathing while eating and drinking

Refuses to eat or drink

Eats only certain textures

Takes a long time to eat

Has difficulty chewing

Coughs or gags during feeding

Drools

Liquid comes out of nose or mouth

Gets stuffy during mealtime

Has a gurgly, hoarse, or breathy voice during or after meals

Spits up or throws up a lot

Is not gaining weight or growing

What are the Causes of Feeding or Swallowing Disorders?

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Cleft Lip or Palate

Autism

Cerebral Palsy

Prematurity

Sensory Issues

Behavioral Problems

Head and Neck Problems

Muscle Weakness in the Face or Neck

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What is the Treatment for Feeding and Swallowing Disorders?

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A swallow study may be necessary to determine if your child is swallowing safely. Oral motor exercises to improve strength and motility as well as reducing anxiety towards mealtime, and using a hierarchy to increase acceptance of avoided foods or drinks may be completed during therapy.